Spiritual Renewal: Reverend Michael Battle

It is the right time to bring Michael Battle to our faith community. Michael grew up in Raleigh forging ahead to follow God’s direction for the life of his family. He offers the refreshing word of hope in the midst of a tense and struggling world. His intuitive nature, his brilliant mind and his charismatic spirit will touch and challenge the mind and heart.

This is a day in our church life you will not want to miss. We intentionally bring the congregation together in two morning services and then invite you back for a “pot-luck” meal around table and spiritual focus in Casper Holroyd Hall at 5pm. Salad, bread, and dessert provided; please bring an entree and side, ideally enough for four people. Special programming will be available for children.

Currently appointed as Herbert Thompson Professor of Church and Society and Director of the Desmond Tutu Center at General Theological Seminary in New York, the Very Rev. Michael Battle, Ph.D. has an undergraduate degree from Duke University, received his master’s of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, a master’s of Sacred Theology from Yale University and a PhD in theology and ethics, also from Duke University. He was ordained a priest by Archbishop Desmond Tutu in 1993.

In his PeaceBattle Institute he works on subjects of diversity, spirituality, prayer, race and reconciliation. Battle and his wife, Raquel, were married by Archbishop Tutu and are parents to two daughters, Sage and Bliss, and a son, Zion. All of whom were baptized by Archbishop Tutu as well.

Dr. Battle will speak on Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11am using Matt. 22:34-46 on

The God Conflict

“The ultimate conflict is in our relationship with God. Until we see this, nothing else will be solved. Therein, facing God we solve our ultimate conflicts.”

On Sunday evening at 6pm, Dr. Battle will offer a brief reflection on

The Right Answer but the Wrong Question

“Our love is a need. God’s love is a gift (Mark10:17). We do well to meditate on this wisdom; otherwise, we remain content with self-serving religion instead of pursuing the shattering realization of God’s kingdom already in our midst. Learn to ask deeper questions. Resist self-seeking answers.”